Events

24 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this weekend: Sept. 11 to 13

Allison Stephen
Allison Stephen
|
Sep 10 2026, 2:00 pm
24 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this weekend: Sept. 11 to 13
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Summer may be winding down, but it’s shaping up to be a busy weekend in Edmonton, with plenty to see, eat, and cheer for.

From music festivals to markets to the Elks Labour Day rematch game and more, here are 24 fantastic things to do in the city this weekend.

Edmonton Elks vs. Calgary Stampeders

 

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What: The Labour Day Rematch is the game every Green and Gold fan circles on the calendar as the Elks take on provincial rivals, the Calgary Stampeders. The push for the postseason starts here with a classic CFL West Division showdown!

When: Saturday, Sept. 12
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $15; find them online

Wine and chocolate tasting experience

What: Explore five wine and chocolate pairings during this guided 90-minute tasting led by Delavoye chocolate maker Antoine Lavoie. The 18+ experience also includes a welcome pour and a charcuterie board.

When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Time: From 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Delavoye Chocolate Maker — Unit 101, 10639 124th St. NW
Cost: $95 per person

Try an ice cream workshop

What: Create your own custom ice cream at one of three hands-on workshops. Ice Cream 101 teaches the basics of making and churning ice cream, Date Night offers a workshop designed for pairs, and Sundae School gives children ages five to 12 the chance to make a batch with an accompanying adult.

When: Various dates and times throughout September
Where: Made by Marcus Mill Creek — 9853 89th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $65; prices vary by workshop. Find tickets online

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in concert

 

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What: Return to Middle-earth with a screening of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, accompanied by a live performance of the film’s score by the FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir.

When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 12, 2026, at 1 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 87th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online

Fort Edmonton Park

What: Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada. Visitors can experience the history of Edmonton before their very eyes, with a recreation of a fort from 1846 that was on the grounds during that time, and streets detailing each time period from 1885 to 1920.

When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays
Time: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $27.90 adult admission; find tickets online

Barrel Fest 2026

What: Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company’s fourth annual festival brings brewers from around the world to Edmonton for an afternoon of barrel-aged and fermented beer and cider.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Ritchie Park — 7727 98th St. NW
Cost: $38 admission; find tickets online

Cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat

What: For three decades, Edmonton’s iconic riverboat has offered unparalleled views of the Edmonton city skyline and the stunning river valley. This incredible 90-minute excursion lets you indulge in fantastic dining options, drinks, and some awesome live music, and you get to experience Edmonton from a whole new vantage point.

When: Operates on weekends in September
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

Edmonton Valley Zoo

What: The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to more than 250 animals, focused on conservation, and offers fun and education for the whole family.

Time: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: $16.95 adult admission

Savour Strathcona County

 

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What: Celebrate Strathcona County’s local food and creative scene with samples from independent restaurants and food trucks, an outdoor farmers’ market, an artisan market, and live performances.

When: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Strathcona County Community Centre — 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park, Alta
Cost: Free admission

Edmonton Corn Maze

 

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What: Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield, because the Edmonton Corn Maze is open with a brand-new design for the season.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Oct. 25, 2026
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found online

124 Grand Market

What: This market is a summer fixture on 124th Street. This pop-up market with a wide range of vendors strives to serve visitors with high-quality, locally made or grown products, and support the growth of Edmonton’s smallest businesses and entrepreneurs.

When: Every Sunday from June 7 to Oct. 11, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 124th Street and 102nd Avenue NW
Cost: Free

Strathearn Art Walk

What: Browse work from hundreds of emerging and professional artists while enjoying live music and views of Edmonton’s river valley and skyline at this free, family-friendly arts festival.

When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, to 13, 2026
Where: Strathearn Drive between 89th and 91st Streets NW
Cost: Free

Summer Block Party

 

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What: Weekends from June 20 to Sept. 19, 2026, Rice Howard Way is turning up the volume, with live music, patio energy, local businesses, and Entertainment District activity in the heart of downtown Edmonton.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Rice Howard Way
Cost: Free

Purple City Music Festival


What: Purple City Music Festival runs from Sept. 11 to 13 and will feature more than 60 artists on nine stages within a two-block radius in downtown Edmonton. Some genres represented at this year’s festival include punk, psych-rock, post-punk, and shoegaze.

Where: Multiple venues downtown
When: Friday, Sept. 11 to 13, 2026
Cost: Free and paid shows; get tickets online

Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta

 

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What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) has been Edmonton’s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it’s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity.

Time: Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Cost: $13.33 regular adult admission

Downtown Farmers Market

 

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What: The Downtown Farmers Market is back outdoors on 104th Street this summer. From May 16 to Oct. 10, 2026, pick up single organic fruits, veggies, homemade meals and artisanal goods from over 35 vendors. You can bring your dog, too.

When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 104th Street between Jasper Avenue and 104th Avenue NW
Cost: Free

Elk Island National Park

 

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What: Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, and some of the best stargazing around, no matter the season. The park has partially reopened following its total closure due to storm damage. Before you head out, be sure to check the Park’s bulletin for a list of current trail closures and conditions.

When: Hours vary
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: $10 adult admission

Bountiful Farmers Market

What: Bountiful Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. It also has an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more.

When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Where: 3696 97th St. NW
Cost: Free

Muttart Conservatory

What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It’s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.

When: Hours vary
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission

Edmonton Mural Festival

What: This summer, Edmonton transforms into a massive open-air gallery, showcasing spectacular new murals by some of the city’s most exciting homegrown artists alongside a curated lineup of acclaimed muralists from across Canada and around the world. From towering landmark pieces to hidden creative gems, every mural tells a story, becoming a lasting part of Edmonton’s cultural landscape and inviting visitors to experience the city through a new lens.

When: Saturday, Aug. 15 to Sept. 15, 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies

Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

What: Experience history brought to life by costumed interpreters at our open-air museum. Hear the first-hand stories of early settlers to east central Alberta and learn how Ukrainian immigration impacted Alberta’s cultural identity and heritage.

When: Opens Wednesday to Sunday
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 195041 Hwy. 16 E., Lamont County, Alta.
Admission: $18 adult admission

Royal Alberta Museum

What: Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum’s vast collections. From its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you, it’s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton.

When: Hours vary 
Where: 9810 103A Ave. NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found online

Hit up the WEM World Waterpark

 

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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a tropical getaway when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it’s a prime way to spend the day.

When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be found online

Galaxyland

 

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What: You can never go wrong with a trip to the amusement park, and Galaxyland is North America’s largest indoor amusement park. It features 27 Hasbro-themed rides and more for all ages.

When: Hours vary
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: $64 general admission; get tickets online

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